Remote control device

ABSTRACT

A remote control device according to an embodiment includes an operation button, a generator, an electrical storage part, electronic paper, and a controller. The operation button is for remotely operating a wet-area device. The generator generates electrical power by utilizing energy when the operation button is pressed. The electrical storage part stores the electrical power. The electronic paper displays a setting state of the wet-area device. The controller controls a refresh and a display-switching of the electronic paper by utilizing the electrical power stored in the electrical storage part. The controller starts the refresh in a first state by performing a first determination determining whether or not the electrical power stored in the electrical storage part is in the first state. The electrical power stored in the electrical storage part in the first state is larger than electrical power necessary to complete the refresh.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-234087, filed on Dec. 6, 2017; theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a remote controldevice.

BACKGROUND

There is a remote control device for remotely operating a wet-areadevice. For example, the remote control device includes multipleoperation buttons (switches) and transmits control signals to thewet-area device according to the pressed operation buttons. JapanesePatent No. 5652490 discusses providing, in the interior of a remotecontrol device, a generator that generates electrical power according tothe pressing of the operation buttons, and an electrical storage partthat stores the generated electrical power. Japanese Publication No.2017-20284 discusses providing, in a remote control device including agenerator and an electrical storage part, a displayer that displays thesetting state of the wet-area device.

The inventor has devised the providing of electronic paper fordisplaying the setting state of a wet-area device in a remote controldevice including a generator and an electrical storage part. Theelectronic paper can maintain the display content without consumingelectrical power after the information is displayed. Therefore, thepower consumption of the remote control device can be reduced by usingthe electronic paper. It is favorable for the electronic paper tooperate (display) by utilizing the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part so that an electrical power supply and thereplacement of a battery are unnecessary.

Generally, an operation called refresh is necessary for electronicpaper. The refresh is performed to increase the brightness difference ofthe display of the electronic paper and/or to eliminate afterimages. Inthe refresh, for example, the colors of all of the display regions ofthe electronic paper are reversed. Therefore, much electrical power isconsumed compared to switching the display content. If the refresh isstarted in a state in which the electrical power in the electricalstorage part is insufficient, the electrical power of the electricalstorage part is completely expended partway through the refresh; and thesetting state of the wet-area device cannot be displayed appropriatelyby the electronic paper.

SUMMARY

A remote control device according to an embodiment includes an operationbutton, a generator, an electrical storage part, electronic paper, and acontroller. The operation button is for remotely operating a wet-areadevice. The generator generates electrical power by utilizing energywhen the operation button is pressed. The electrical storage part storesthe electrical power. The electronic paper displays a setting state ofthe wet-area device. The controller controls a refresh and adisplay-switching of the electronic paper by utilizing the electricalpower stored in the electrical storage part. The controller starts therefresh in a first state by performing a first determination determiningwhether or not the electrical power stored in the electrical storagepart is in the first state. The electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part in the first state is larger than electricalpower necessary to complete the refresh.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device and atoilet device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the remote control device accordingto the embodiment;

FIGS. 3A to 3G are front views illustrating the electronic paper of theremote control device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the remotecontrol device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the internal structure of the remotecontrol device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D are schematic views illustrating a portion of theremote control device according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphs schematically illustrating the change of theelectrical power stored in the electrical storage part; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the favorable operationof the remote control device according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first invention is a remote control device including an operationbutton, a generator, an electrical storage part, electronic paper, and acontroller; the operation button is for remotely operating a wet-areadevice; the generator generates electrical power by utilizing energywhen the operation button is pressed; the electrical storage part storesthe electrical power; the electronic paper displays a setting state ofthe wet-area device; the controller controls a refresh and adisplay-switching of the electronic paper by utilizing the electricalpower stored in the electrical storage part; the controller starts therefresh in a first state by performing a first determination determiningwhether or not the electrical power stored in the electrical storagepart is in the first state; and the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part in the first state is larger than electricalpower necessary to complete the refresh.

According to the remote control device, the refresh of the electronicpaper is started in the first state in which the electrical power storedin the electrical storage part is larger than the electrical powernecessary to complete the refresh. Therefore, the refresh of theelectronic paper can be completed correctly. Thereby, the stopping ofthe display of the electronic paper partway through the refresh can beavoided; and the setting information of the wet-area device can bedisplayed appropriately by the electronic paper. In other words,according to the remote control device, it is possible to correctlyperform the refresh of the electronic paper at the appropriate timing byutilizing the electrical power stored in the electrical storage part.

A second invention is the remote control device of the first invention,wherein when the operation button is pressed, the controller transmits asignal for remotely operating the wet-area device by utilizing theelectrical power stored in the electrical storage part; and thecontroller performs the first determination after transmitting thesignal.

According to the remote control device, the signal transmission beingimpossible because the electrical power stored in the electrical storagepart was reduced by the refresh can be avoided. In other words,according to the remote control device, the refresh can be performed atthe appropriate timing by utilizing the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part while performing the signal transmission morereliably.

A third invention is the remote control device of the first or secondinvention, wherein the controller performs the first determinationaccording to a pressing operation of the operation button.

According to the remote control device, the first determination isperformed easily in a state in which the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part is larger. As a result, the frequency ofperforming the refresh can be increased; and the display of theelectronic paper can be easier to view.

A fourth invention is the remote control device of the third invention,wherein the operation button is for modifying the setting state; andwhen the operation button is pressed, the controller performs a seconddetermination of determining whether or not the setting state will bemodified and performs the first determination in the case where thesetting state will not be modified.

According to the remote control device, the first determination isperformed in the case where the setting state will not be modifiedregardless of whether the operation button for modifying the settingstate of the wet-area device is pressed. As a result, the performing ofthe refresh can notify the user that the pressing operation isineffective. In other words, according to the remote control device, therefresh can be utilized as a notification to the user while performingthe refresh at a more appropriate timing.

A fifth invention is the remote control device of the third invention,wherein the operation button is not for modifying the setting state.

The display-switching of the electronic paper is not performed when anoperation button that does not modify the setting state is pressed.Accordingly, compared to when an operation button that modifies thesetting state is pressed, the likelihood is high that the user is notviewing the screen displayed by the electronic paper. Accordingly,according to the remote control device, the refresh is performed easilyin the state in which the user is not viewing the electronic paper. As aresult, the likelihood of the user mistaking the refresh to be amisoperation or a malfunction of the electronic paper can be reduced.

A sixth invention is the remote control device of the second invention,wherein the controller performs the first determination aftertransmitting the signal and performing the display-switching.

According to the remote control device, the refresh can be performed atthe appropriate timing by utilizing the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part while more reliably performing the signaltransmission and the display-switching.

A seventh invention is the remote control device of the first inventionincluding multiple operation buttons; a portion of the multipleoperation buttons is not for modifying the setting state; and thecontroller performs the first determination when one of the multipleoperation buttons is pressed after the portion of the multiple operationbuttons is pressed.

According to the remote control device, the refresh can be performed ata more appropriate timing.

An eighth invention is the remote control device of any one of the firstto seventh inventions, wherein the wet-area device is a sanitary washingdevice including a nozzle discharging water toward a human private part.

According to the remote control device, the refresh can be performed ata more appropriate timing while remotely operating the sanitary washingdevice.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to thedrawings. Similar components in the drawings are marked with the samereference numerals; and a detailed description is omitted asappropriate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device and atoilet device according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the remote control device 10 according to theembodiment is mounted to, for example, a wall surface 200 of a toiletroom where the toilet device 100 is provided.

The toilet device 100 includes a western-style sit-down toilet(hereinbelow, called simply the “toilet”) 110, and a sanitary washingdevice 120 provided on the toilet 110. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the remote control device 10 is for remotely operating thesanitary washing device 120 of the toilet device 100.

For example, the sanitary washing device 120 has a sanitary washingfunction, a private part drying function, and a toilet seat heatingfunction. The sanitary washing function is a function of performing awashing operation in which a nozzle 128 is used to wash the “bottom” orthe like of a human body (a user) seated on a toilet seat 124. Theprivate part drying function is a function of performing a dryingoperation of drying the “bottom” or the like of the user seated on thetoilet seat 124 by blowing warm air onto the “bottom” or the like wettedby the sanitary washing. The toilet seat heating function is a functionof performing a toilet seat heating operation of warming the seatingsurface of the toilet seat 124 to a suitable temperature.

For example, the sanitary washing device 120 executes one operation ofthe sanitary washing function, the private part drying function, or thetoilet seat heating function based on a wireless signal transmitted fromthe remote control device 10. The setting states of these operations ofthe sanitary washing device 120 can be modified by the user by using theremote control device 10. For example, the user can modify the settingstates of the force of the washing water squirted in the sanitarywashing, the washing position (the position of the nozzle 128), thetemperature of the seating surface, etc.

The remote control device 10 includes operation buttons 12 for remotelyoperating the sanitary washing device 120.

The remote control device 10 detects the operations of the operationbuttons 12 and transmits wireless signals to the sanitary washing device120 based on the operated operation buttons 12. The sanitary washingdevice 120 receives the wireless signals and performs operationscorresponding to the wireless signals. Or, the sanitary washing device120 modifies the setting states corresponding to the wireless signals.

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the remote control device accordingto the embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the remote control device 10 includes themultiple operation buttons 12, a remote control main body 14 (a housing)supporting the operation buttons 12, and electronic paper 16.

The multiple operation buttons 12 include, for example, operationbuttons 12 a to 12 j. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, theoperation buttons 12 a to 12 d are buttons for operating the sanitarywashing device 120. The operation buttons 12 e to 12 j are buttons formodifying the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120.

The operation button 12 a is a button for instructing the start of thebottom wash. The operation button 12 b is a button for instructing thestart of the bidet wash. The operation button 12 c is a button forinstructing the start of the private part drying. The operation button12 d is a button for instructing the stop of the sanitary washingfunction.

The operation button 12 e is a button for increasing the temperature ofthe seating surface; and the operation button 12 f is a button forreducing the temperature. The operation button 12 g is a button formoving the position of the nozzle 128 rearward; and the operation button12 h is a button for moving the position frontward. The operation button12 i is a button for strengthening the water force; and the operationbutton 12 j is a button for weakening the water force.

For example, the operation button 12 is a so-called push-button in whicha pressing operation (a pushing operation) is possible. The operationbutton 12 is movable between a regular position and a lowermost positionand moves from the regular position to the lowermost position accordingto the pressing operation. In the non-operated state, the operationbutton 12 is maintained at the regular position by a not-illustratedspring, etc. The operation button 12 is moved to the lowermost positionby the pressing operation; subsequently, the operation button 12 isreturned to the regular position by the release of the pressingoperation.

For example, the electronic paper 16 is provided to be adjacent to theremote control main body 14. The electronic paper 16 may be provided asone body with the remote control main body 14. For example, theelectronic paper 16 may be an electrophoretic-type or an electronicliquid powder-type. The electronic paper 16 includes a display region 16a displaying the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 2, the setting states of the waterforce, the position of the nozzle 128, and the temperature of theseating surface are displayed in the display region 16 a. The user canmodify these setting states of the sanitary washing device 120 byoperating the operation buttons 12.

FIGS. 3A to 3G are front views illustrating the electronic paper of theremote control device according to the embodiment.

For example, when the operation button 12 e or 12 f is pressed in thestate illustrated in FIG. 2, the display of the electronic paper 16 isswitched to the state illustrated in FIG. 3E or FIG. 3F. When theoperation button 12 g or 12 h is pressed in the state illustrated inFIG. 2, the display of the electronic paper 16 is switched to the stateillustrated in FIG. 3C or FIG. 3D. When the operation button 12 i or 12j is pressed in the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the display of theelectronic paper 16 is switched to the state illustrated in FIG. 3A orFIG. 3B.

Thus, the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120 is displayedby the electronic paper 16. A controller 26 performs thedisplay-switching of the electronic paper 16 according to the operationof the operation button 12 modifying the setting state. The user canconfirm the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120 by viewingthe electronic paper 16.

Other than the display-switching described above, the refresh of theelectronic paper 16 is performed. The refresh is performed to increasethe brightness of the regions to be displayed as white and to reduce thebrightness of the regions to be displayed as black.

In the refresh, for example, the display of the electronic paper 16 isswitched from the state illustrated in FIG. 2 to the state illustratedin FIG. 3G. In other words, the regions that are displayed as white arereversed to black; and the regions that are displayed as black arereversed to white. Subsequently, the state is switched from the stateillustrated in FIG. 3G to the state illustrated in FIG. 2.

Or, the display of the electronic paper 16 may be switched from thestate illustrated in FIG. 2 so that all of the regions are one of blackor white; continuing, all of the regions may be switched to the other ofblack or white; subsequently, the state may be switched to the stateillustrated in FIG. 2. The specific method of the refresh is modifiableas appropriate.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the remotecontrol device according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the remote control device 10 further includesmultiple detectors 20, a generator 22, an electrical storage part 24,the controller 26, a memory part 28, and a transmission part 30. Forexample, the multiple detectors 20, the generator 22, the electricalstorage part 24, the controller 26, the memory part 28, and thetransmission part 30 are contained in the interior of the remote controlmain body 14.

The multiple detectors 20 are provided to correspond respectively to themultiple operation buttons 12. The multiple detectors 20 respectivelydetect the pressing operations of the multiple operation buttons 12.Each of the detectors 20 includes, for example, a Hall element. Each ofthe detectors 20 may be, for example, a mechanical switch, etc.

The generator 22 generates electrical power by utilizing the energy whenone of the multiple operation buttons 12 is pressed. For example, amotor is provided in the generator 22. The generator 22 transfers theoperating force due to the pressing operation of the operation button 12to the rotation shaft of the motor and causes the rotation shaft torotate. Thereby, the generator 22 generates alternating currentelectrical power from the motor. The power generation method of thegenerator 22 is not limited to a motor and may be any method that cansupply the necessary electrical power. The electrical power that isoutput from the generator 22 may be a direct current or a pulsatingcurrent.

The transmission part 30 transfers the operating force to the generator22. The transmission part 30 includes a first member 31 and a secondmember 32.

The first member 31 is provided to correspond to the operation buttons12 a to 12 d. The first member 31 receives the operating force due tothe pressing operations of the operation buttons 12 a to 12 d andtransfers the operating force to the second member 32 via a link member33. The second member 32 receives the operating force from the firstmember 31 and transfers the operating force to the generator 22. Thesecond member 32 is provided to correspond to the operation buttons 12 eto 12 j. The second member 32 receives the operating force due to thepressing operations of the operation buttons 12 e to 12 j and transfersthe operating force to the generator 22.

The controller 26 is electrically connected to each of the multipledetectors 20. The controller 26 discriminates the operated operationbuttons 12 based on the detection results of the multiple detectors 20.Then, the controller 26 remotely operates the sanitary washing device120 by transmitting a wireless signal corresponding to the discriminatedoperation button 12 to the sanitary washing device 120.

The controller 26 includes, for example, a microcomputer 40, a highfrequency wave generation circuit 43, and a transmitter 44. Themicrocomputer 40 discriminates the operated operation button 12 andgenerates a signal to remotely operate the sanitary washing device 120based on the discriminated operation button 12. The high frequency wavegeneration circuit 43 converts the signal generated by the microcomputer40 into a high frequency signal. The frequency of the high frequencysignal is, for example, 2.4 GHz. The transmitter 44 includes an antenna,converts the high frequency signal generated by the high frequency wavegeneration circuit 43 into a wireless signal, and transmits the wirelesssignal to the sanitary washing device 120.

The microcomputer 40, the high frequency wave generation circuit 43, andthe transmitter 44 may be contained inside one chip or may be separatedinto different elements. The communication method between the remotecontrol device 10 and the sanitary washing device 120 is not limited tothe description recited above and may be arbitrary. The configuration ofthe controller 26 is not limited to the description recited above andmay be any configuration that can discriminate the operation button 12,perform wireless communication with the sanitary washing device 120,etc.

The electrical storage part 24 includes an electrical storage element 50storing the electrical power generated by the generator 22. When thevoltage of the electrical storage element 50 becomes at least thevoltage necessary to startup the controller 26, the controller 26 thatis electrically connected to the electrical storage element 50 isstarted up by the electrical power stored in the electrical storageelement 50. The electrical storage element 50 includes, for example, acapacitor, a storage battery, etc. Further, when the voltage of theelectrical storage element 50 becomes a prescribed value or more, thecontroller 26 performs various operations by utilizing the electricalpower stored in the electrical storage element 50.

Here, “when the voltage of the electrical storage element 50 becomes theprescribed value or more” is, for example, when the electrical powernecessary to startup the controller 26 and transmit the wireless signalis stored in the electrical storage element 50. In the case where thecontroller 26 multiply transmits the wireless signals, “when the voltageof the electrical storage element 50 becomes the prescribed value ormore” is when the electrical power necessary to startup the controller26 and multiply transmit the wireless signals is stored in theelectrical storage element 50. Thus, the prescribed value of the voltageof the electrical storage element 50 is set according to the powerconsumption of the controller 26. The prescribed value is, for example,3.0 V.

For example, the controller 26 transitions to a sleep state when notoperated for a prescribed amount of time. As the controller 26 isoperated and as time elapses, the controller 26 stops when theelectrical power (the electrical power amount) stored in the electricalstorage element 50 falls below the electrical power necessary to operatethe controller 26.

The memory part 28 stores the setting state of the sanitary washingdevice 120. When the operation button 12 is pressed, for example, thecontroller 26 refers to the setting state stored in the memory part 28and transmits a signal toward the sanitary washing device 120 to reflectthe modification of the setting state.

More specifically, the operation buttons 12 that are pressed and theorder of the pressing are stored in the memory part 28. Or, the numberof times modifications of the setting states are performed is stored inthe memory part 28. The controller 26 causes the electronic paper 16 todisplay the setting states after the modifications by the operationbuttons 12 of the setting states based on the information stored in thememory part 28.

The controller 26 stores the setting states after the modifications inthe memory part 28. For example, the memory part 28 retains the storedsetting states even while the microcomputer 40 is stopped. Or, thesetting states that are stored in the memory part 28 may return to theinitial setting when the electrical storage amount decreases and theoperation of the microcomputer 40 stops.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the internal structure of the remotecontrol device according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the generator 22 includes a main body module22 a and a movable part 22 b. The movable part 22 b moves between aprotruded position protruding from the main body module 22 a, and apressed position pressed inside the main body module 22 a. In thenon-operated state, the movable part 22 b is maintained at the protrudedposition by a not-illustrated spring, etc. When the movable part 22 b ismoved from the protruded position to the pressed position, electricalpower is generated by the movement.

The first member 31 and the second member 32 are, for example, membershaving rod configurations. The first member 31 is provided to oppose theoperation buttons 12 a to 12 d; and the second member 32 is provided tooppose the operation buttons 12 e to 12 j. Further, the second member 32is provided to oppose the movable part 22 b of the generator 22 in thelongitudinal direction.

The first member 31 and the second member 32 are mounted to be slidablerespectively in directions illustrated by arrow A1 and arrow A3. Thefirst member 31 and the second member 32 are linked to each other by thelink member 33. The link member 33 is fixed to the remote control mainbody 14 by a rotation shaft 33 a. Thereby, when the first member 31slides in one direction, the second member 32 conjunctively slides inthe reverse direction.

When the pressing operation of one of the operation buttons 12 a to 12 dis performed, the operating force is transferred to the first member 31;and the first member 31 slides. When the first member 31 slides, thesecond member 32 slides due to the link member 33. Or, when the pressingoperation of one of the operation buttons 12 e to 12 j is performed, theoperating force is transferred to the second member 32; and the secondmember 32 slides. When the second member 32 slides, the second member 32contacts the movable part 22 b and causes the movable part 22 b to movefrom the protruded position to the pressed position. Thus, powergeneration is performed by the generator 22 due to the pressingoperation of each of the operation buttons 12.

The remote control device 10 further includes a click mechanism 23. Dueto the click mechanism 23, the pressing operation of the operationbutton 12 provides the user with a click sensation. Due to the clicksensation, the user knows that the pressing operation of the operationbutton 12 was accepted.

In the example, the click mechanism 23 is provided in the generator 22.In the generator 22, for example, when the movable part 22 b is pressedagainst an elastic force of a spring, etc., an interlocking member thatengages the movable part 22 b moves. Then, when the movable part 22 bmoves to the pressed position, the engaged state between theinterlocking member and the movable part 22 b is temporarily released bythe click mechanism 23; and the interlocking member is returned to theinitial position by the elastic force. At this time, the operating forceof the operation button 12 weakens and is communicated to the user asthe click sensation.

The interlocking member of the click mechanism 23 is linked to therotation shaft of the motor via a gear, etc.; and the rotation shaftrotates and power generation is performed by the force when theinterlocking member returns to the initial position. In the generator22, the power generation is performed by the movable part 22 b beingmoved to the pressed position. Then, the click sensation is provided tothe operated operation button 12 when the generator 22 generates power.

In this configuration, for example, the power generation amount can becontrolled by the elastic force applied to the interlocking member andis independent of the speed of the pressing operation of the user, etc.Thereby, for example, the fluctuation of the power generation amountbetween operations can be suppressed. A stable power generation amountcan be obtained in the generator 22.

In the example, the click mechanism 23 also is a portion of the powergeneration mechanism of the generator 22. It is not always necessary toprovide the click mechanism 23 in the generator 22; and the clickmechanism 23 may be provided separately from the generator 22.

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D are schematic views illustrating a portion of theremote control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6Dschematically illustrate an example of the pressing operation of theoperation button 12.

FIG. 6A illustrates the state in which the operation button 12 is at theregular position. FIG. 6B illustrates the position of the operationbutton 12 where the detector 20 detects the pressing operation. FIG. 6Cillustrates the state in which the operation button 12 is at thelowermost position. FIG. 6D illustrates the position of the operationbutton 12 where the detection state of the pressing operation by thedetector 20 is released.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the detector 20 includes, for example, a Hallelement 20 a and a magnet 20 b. For example, the Hall element 20 a ismaintained at a prescribed position inside the remote control main body14. The magnet 20 b is mounted to the operation button 12.

When the operation button 12 is pressed as illustrated in FIG. 6B, thedistance between the Hall element 20 a and the magnet 20 b shortens.Thereby, the pressing operation of the operation button 12 is detectedby the detector 20. Thus, for example, the detector 20 detects thepressing operation of the operation button 12 without contact. Theposition of the Hall element 20 a and the position of the magnet 20 bmay be the reverse of those recited above. In other words, the Hallelement 20 a may be provided at the operation button 12; and the magnet20 b may be provided inside the remote control main body 14. The methodfor detecting the pressing operation is not limited thereto and may beany method.

A slide cam 31 a that has a tilted surface configuration is provided inthe first member 31. A tilted surface 12 p that corresponds to the slidecam 31 a is provided in the operation button 12 at a position opposingthe slide cam 31 a. Thereby, when the pressing operation of theoperation button 12 is performed, the force in the perpendiculardirection due to the tilt of the slide cam 31 a is converted into aforce in the horizontal direction; and the first member 31 slides.Although not illustrated, similarly to the first member 31, the secondmember 32 also slides due to a slide cam.

As the operation button 12 is pressed further as illustrated in FIG. 6C,the operation button 12 moves to the lowermost position. Thereby, themovable part 22 b of the generator 22 moves to the pressed position; andthe power generation is performed by the generator 22.

When the operation button 12 moves to the power generation positionwhich is on the lowermost position side of the detection position of thedetector 20 (the position illustrated in FIG. 6B), the generator 22causes the voltage of the electrical storage element 50 to become aprescribed value or more. Thereby, the transmission of the signal fromthe controller 26, etc., are made possible by the generator 22 usingonly the pressing operation.

In the example, the lowermost position is the power generation position.The power generation position is not limited thereto and may be anyposition between the detection position and the lowermost position. Inother words, the power generation position is the lowermost position ora position between the detection position and the lowermost position. Inthe example, the power generation is performed by the generator 22 whenthe movable part 22 b moves to the pressed position. The position of themovable part 22 b where the power generation is performed is not limitedto the pressed position and may be any position between the protrudedposition and the pressed position.

When the pressing operation of the operation button 12 is released, themovable part 22 b of the generator 22 is returned to the protrudedposition by the elastic force. When the movable part 22 b is returned tothe protruded position, the elastic force is transferred to theoperation button 12 via a transmission mechanism; and the operationbutton 12 is returned to the regular position. The operation button 12may be returned to the regular position by only the elastic force froman elastic body (a spring, rubber, etc.) provided inside the generator22 or may be returned to the regular position by further providing atransmission mechanism and/or another elastic body in the operationbutton 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 6D, the detection state of the pressing operationis released for the multiple detectors 20 between when the pressingoperation is released and when the operation button 12 returns to theregular position from the power generation position. At this time, dueto the hysteresis property of the Hall element 20 a, the detection bythe detector 20 is released in a state in which the distance to themagnet 20 b is more distal than when detecting. Thereby, for each of themultiple detectors 20, the position of the operation button 12 where thedetection state is released is more proximal to the regular positionthan is the detection position.

By utilizing the electrical power generated by the operation describedabove and stored in the electrical storage part 24, the controller 26generates the signal to remotely operate the sanitary washing device 120and performs the transmission of the signal toward the sanitary washingdevice 120. The controller 26 performs the display-switching and therefresh of the electronic paper 16 by utilizing the electrical powerstored in the electrical storage part 24. For convenience of descriptionhereinbelow, the series of operations of the generation and thetransmission of the signals by the controller 26 is called simply the“signal transmission.”

For example, the electrical power that is stored in the electricalstorage part 24 by one pressing operation of the operation button 12 islarger than the sum of the electrical power necessary for the signaltransmission and the electrical power necessary for thedisplay-switching. In such a case, electrical power remains in theelectrical storage part 24 even after the signal transmission and thedisplay-switching are performed according to the pressing operation. Forexample, the controller 26 performs the refresh by utilizing theremaining electrical power.

However, if the refresh is started in a state in which sufficientelectrical power does not remain, there is a possibility that therefresh will not be completed correctly. For example, in the case wherethe electrical power of the electrical storage part 24 is completelyexpended partway through the refresh, there is a possibility that theswitching from the display of FIG. 3G to the normal display cannot beperformed; and the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120cannot be displayed appropriately by the electronic paper 16.Accordingly, it is favorable for the refresh to be started in a state inwhich sufficient electrical power is stored the electrical storage part24.

For this problem, a first determination is performed by the controller26 in the remote control device 10 according to the embodiment. In thefirst determination, it is determined whether or not the electricalstorage amount is in a first state in which the electrical storageamount is larger than the electrical power necessary to complete therefresh. The controller 26 starts the refresh after the firstdetermination in the first state.

For example, in the case where it is determined in the firstdetermination that the electrical storage amount is in the first state,the controller 26 starts the refresh. Or, the controller 26 starts therefresh of the electronic paper 16 after performing a prescribedoperation after it is determined in the first determination that theelectrical storage amount is in the first state.

The refresh of the electronic paper 16 can be completed correctly by thecontroller 26 performing the first determination and starting therefresh of the electronic paper 16 in the first state. Therefore, thestopping of the display of the electronic paper 16 partway through therefresh can be avoided; and the setting information of the sanitarywashing device 120 can be displayed appropriately by the electronicpaper 16. In other words, according to the remote control device 10according to the embodiment, the refresh of the electronic paper 16 canbe performed at the appropriate timing by utilizing the electrical powerstored in the electrical storage part 24.

After determining in the first determination that the electrical storageamount is in the first state, the controller 26 may perform anotherdetermination and may not perform the refresh of the electronic paper 16as a result of the other determination. After determining in the firstdetermination that the electrical storage amount is in the first state,the controller 26 may not perform the refresh in the case where thepressing operation of the operation button 12 is detected.

For example, in the other determination, it is determined whether or notthe electrical storage amount is lower than a threshold. A value that islarger than the electrical power necessary to complete the refresh isset as the threshold. The controller 26 performs the refresh in the casewhere the electrical storage amount is lower than the threshold. Thecontroller 26 does not perform the refresh in the case where theelectrical storage amount is greater than the threshold.

The electrical storage amount decreases as time elapses. Accordingly, asthe electrical storage amount decreases as time elapses, the electricalstorage amount eventually will fall below the threshold. For example,the controller 26 is started up at a prescribed interval, detects theelectrical storage amount, and performs the refresh in the case where itis detected that the electrical storage amount is lower than thethreshold electrical power.

Or, the first determination may be performed after the otherdetermination recited above. For example, the other determination isperformed according to the pressing operation of the operation button12. In the case where it is determined in the other determination thatthe electrical storage amount is lower than the threshold, the firstdetermination is performed according to the determination result of theother determination.

After the refresh of the electronic paper 16 is performed, if the timeuntil the next refresh is performed is long, the brightness difference(the contrast) between white and black of the display region 16 a of theelectronic paper 16 decreases. By performing the other determinationrecited above, the timing of performing the refresh can be postponed.When the timing of performing the following refresh will be later, thedecrease of the contrast in the meantime can be suppressed by settingthe timing of performing the refresh to be postponed.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphs schematically illustrating the change of theelectrical power stored in the electrical storage part.

It is favorable for the controller 26 to perform the first determinationrecited above after performing the signal transmission. In other words,the timing of performing the refresh is after the signal transmission.

FIG. 7A illustrates the transition of the electrical storage amount forthe control method. From time t0 to t1, the operation button 12 ispressed; electrical power is generated by the generator 22; andelectrical power V2 is stored in the electrical storage part 24. Themicrocomputer 40 is started up by the stored electrical power.Continuing, from time t2 to t3, the signal transmission is performed;and electrical power V3 is consumed.

Continuing, from time t3 to t4, the controller 26 (the microcomputer 40)performs the first determination. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7A,the electrical storage amount at time t4 is larger than electrical powerV1 necessary to complete the refresh. Therefore, the controller 26performs the refresh from time t4 to t5. After the refresh, for example,the controller 26 (the microcomputer 40) stops due to the decrease ofthe electrical storage amount.

By performing the first determination after performing the signaltransmission, the signal transmission being impossible because theelectrical storage amount decreased due to the refresh can be avoided.In other words, according to the control method, the refresh can beperformed at the appropriate timing by utilizing the electrical powerstored in the electrical storage part 24 while more reliably performingthe signal transmission.

More favorably, the controller 26 performs the first determination afterperforming the signal transmission and performing the display-switching.In other words, the timing of performing the refresh is after the signaltransmission and the display-switching.

FIG. 7B illustrates the transition of the electrical storage amount forthe control method. The operations from time t0 to t3 are similar to theexample illustrated in FIG. 7A. Subsequently, the controller 26 performsthe display-switching from time t4 to t5. Thereby, electrical power V4is consumed. Then, the controller 26 performs the first determination attime t5. The refresh is not performed because the electrical storageamount at time t5 is smaller than the electrical power V1 necessary tocomplete the refresh.

Subsequently, the operation button 12 is pressed again at time t6; andelectrical power is stored in the electrical storage part 24. The signaltransmission and the display-switching are performed by the controller26 from time t8 to t9 and from time t10 to t11. Then, the controller 26performs the first determination at time t12. The electrical storageamount at time t12 is larger than the electrical power V1 necessary tocomplete the refresh. Therefore, the controller 26 performs the refreshfrom time t12 to t13. For example, the controller 26 (the microcomputer40) stops due to the decrease of the electrical storage amount after therefresh.

According to the control method, the refresh can be performed at theappropriate timing by utilizing the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part 24 while more reliably performing the signaltransmission and the display-switching.

It is favorable for the controller 26 to perform the first determinationaccording to the pressing operation of the operation button 12. Forexample, the controller 26 performs the signal transmission and thedisplay-switching according to the pressing operation of the operationbutton 12 and performs the first determination after these operationsare completed. The electrical storage amount is largest directly afterthe operation button 12 is pressed, and decreases as time elapses.Accordingly, the first determination is performed easily in a state inwhich the electrical storage amount is larger by performing the firstdetermination according to the pressing operation of the operationbutton 12. As a result, the frequency of performing the refresh can beincreased; and the display of the electronic paper 16 can be easier toview.

When the operation button 12 for modifying the setting state of thesanitary washing device 120 is pressed, the controller 26 may perform asecond determination of determining whether or not the setting stateactually will be modified. For example, the controller 26 performs thefirst determination in the case where it is determined in the seconddetermination that the setting state will not be modified.

For example, settable ranges are determined for the setting states ofeach of the water force, the position, and the temperature. The user canmodify the setting states of the sanitary washing device 120 withinthese ranges by using the operation buttons 12. In the state in whichthese setting states are at the range limits, the setting states are notmodified even when further modification is attempted by using theoperation buttons 12. In the case where the setting state will not bemodified even though the operation button 12 for modifying the settingstate of the sanitary washing device 120 was pressed, the controller 26performs the first determination and as a result performs, for example,the refresh.

As an example, the operation buttons 12 g and 12 h are for modifying theposition where water is discharged from the nozzle 128. In the state inwhich the discharge position is all the way to the front of the settablerange, the discharge position is not modified when the operation button12 h is pressed. At this time, the controller 26 performs the firstdetermination.

Or, there are cases where a non-acceptance interval is set in thecontroller 26 such that operations by the operation buttons 12 are notaccepted after one of the operation buttons 12 is pressed. In otherwords, even when the operation button for modifying the setting state ispressed in the non-acceptance interval, the setting state is notmodified. The non-acceptance interval is set to reliably and more stablyperform the signal transmission by the remote control device 10, theacceptance of the signal by the sanitary washing device 120, themodification of the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120,etc. In the case where the operation button 12 for modifying the settingstate is pressed in the non-acceptance interval, the controller 26performs the first determination and as a result performs, for example,the refresh.

As illustrated in FIG. 3G, the display of the electronic paper 16changes greatly in the refresh. Therefore, by performing the firstdetermination and performing the refresh in the case where the settingstate will not be modified even though the operation button 12 waspressed, the user can be notified that the pressing operation isineffective. In other words, according to the control method, therefresh can be utilized as a notification to the user while performingthe refresh at a more appropriate timing.

There are cases where the operation button 12 for modifying the settingstate is pressed consecutively multiple times. For example, there arecases where one of the operation buttons 12 e to 12 j is pressedconsecutively two times to greatly modify the setting state from thestate illustrated in FIG. 2. In such a case, if the refresh is performedeach time the display-switching is performed, the display contentchanges inordinately; and the appearance is complex. There is also apossibility that the user may mistakenly think that a misoperation or amalfunction of the electronic paper 16 has occurred. From theseperspectives as well, as described above, it is favorable for therefresh to be performed in the case where the setting state will not bemodified.

The controller 26 may perform the first determination when the operationbutton 12 that does not modify the setting state is pressed. Thedisplay-switching of the electronic paper 16 is not performed when theoperation button 12 not modifying the setting state is pressed.Accordingly, compared to when the operation button 12 for modifying thesetting state is pressed, the likelihood is high that the user is notviewing the screen displayed by the electronic paper 16. Accordingly,the refresh is performed easily in the state in which the user is notviewing the electronic paper 16. As a result, the likelihood of the usermistakenly thinking that the refresh is a misoperation or a malfunctionof the electronic paper 16 can be reduced.

An example of a favorable control method by the controller 26 describedabove is illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the favorable operationof the remote control device according to the embodiment.

First, when the operation button 12 is pressed by the user, the detector20 detects the pressing operation (step S1). Then, the controller 26performs a signal transmission corresponding to the operation button 12(step S2). Continuing, it is determined whether or not the operationbutton 12 is for modifying the setting state of the sanitary washingdevice 120 (step S3). In the case where the operation button 12 is notfor modifying the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120, theflow proceeds to step S6.

In the case where the operation button 12 is for modifying the settingstate of the sanitary washing device 120, the controller 26 determineswhether or not the setting state of the sanitary washing device 120actually will be modified by the pressing of the operation button 12(step S4). In the case where the setting state of the sanitary washingdevice 120 is modified, the controller 26 performs the display-switching(step S5); and the processing ends. In the case where the setting stateof the sanitary washing device 120 is not modified, the flow proceeds tostep S6.

The first determination is performed in step S6. Namely, the controller26 determines whether or not the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part 24 is in the first state and is larger than theelectrical power necessary to complete the refresh. In the case where itis determined to be in the first state, the controller 26 performs therefresh (step S7). Or, as described above, another determination may beperformed between step S6 and step S7; and as a result, the refresh ofthe electronic paper 16 may not be performed. In the case where it isdetermined not to be in the first state, or in the case where step S7 isperformed, the processing ends.

As another embodiment, the controller 26 may perform the firstdetermination when one of the multiple operation buttons 12 is pressedafter the operation button 12 not modifying the setting state ispressed. The operation button 12 that is pressed the second time may befor modifying the setting state or may not be for modifying the settingstate. According to the control method, the refresh can be performed ata more appropriate timing.

For example, the controller 26 performs the first determination when theoperation button 12 a, 12 b, or 12 c is pressed; and subsequently, theoperation button 12 d that stops the operation is pressed. In such acase, there is a tendency for the user not to view the remote controldevice 10 after pressing the stop operation button 12. Therefore, therefresh of the electronic paper 16 is performed easily in the state inwhich the user is not viewing the electronic paper 16. As a result, thelikelihood of the user mistakenly thinking that the refresh is amisoperation or a malfunction of the electronic paper 16 can be reduced.

The case is described in the examples described above where the sanitarywashing device 120 is remotely operated by the remote control device 10according to the embodiment. The invention of the application is notlimited to such an embodiment. The remote control device 10 according tothe embodiment may be for remotely operating another wet-area devicesuch as a hot water system, a bathroom dryer, etc.

The embodiments of the invention have been described above. However, theinvention is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in theart can appropriately modify the design of the above embodiments. Suchmodifications are also encompassed within the scope of the invention aslong as they include the features of the invention. For instance, theshape, dimension, material, layout, and placement of each element of theremote control device are not limited to those illustrated, but can besuitably modified.

Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments can be combined witheach other as long as technically feasible. Such combinations are alsoencompassed within the scope of the invention as long as they includethe features of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote control device, comprising: an operationbutton for remotely operating a wet-area device; a generator generatingelectrical power by utilizing energy when the operation button ispressed; an electrical storage part storing the electrical power;electronic paper displaying a setting state of the wet-area device; anda controller controlling a refresh and a display-switching of theelectronic paper by utilizing the electrical power stored in theelectrical storage part, the controller starts the refresh in a firststate by performing a first determination determining whether or not theelectrical power stored in the electrical storage part is in the firststate, the electrical power stored in the electrical storage part in thefirst state being larger than electrical power necessary to complete therefresh.
 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein whenthe operation button is pressed, the controller transmits a signal forremotely operating the wet-area device by utilizing the electrical powerstored in the electrical storage part, and the controller performs thefirst determination after transmitting the signal.
 3. The remote controldevice according to claim 1, wherein the controller performs the firstdetermination according to a pressing operation of the operation button.4. The remote control device according to claim 3, wherein the operationbutton is for modifying the setting state, and when the operation buttonis pressed, the controller performs a second determination ofdetermining whether or not the setting state will be modified andperforms the first determination in the case where the setting statewill not be modified.
 5. The remote control device according to claim 3,wherein the operation button is not for modifying the setting state. 6.The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the controllerperforms the first determination after transmitting the signal andperforming the display-switching.
 7. The remote control device accordingto claim 1, comprising a plurality of the operation buttons, a portionof the plurality of operation buttons not being for modifying thesetting state, the controller performing the first determination whenone of the plurality of operation buttons is pressed after the portionof the plurality of operation buttons is pressed.
 8. The remote controldevice according to claim 1, wherein the wet-area device is a sanitarywashing device including a nozzle discharging water toward a humanprivate part.